Moral Development and Reality

Abstract

This book explores the nature of moral development, human behavior, and social interconnections. It elucidates the full range of moral development, from superficial perception to a deeper understanding and feeling through social perspective-taking. By comparing, contrasting, and going beyond the key theories of preeminent thinkers (Lawrence Kohlberg, Martin Hoffman, and Jonathan Haidt) the book tackles vital questions: What exactly is morality and its development? Can the key theoretical perspectives be integrated? What accounts for prosocial behavior, and how can we understand and treat antisocial behavior? Does moral development, including moments of moral inspiration, reflect a deeper reality? This third edition has been updated, refined, and expanded. The new edition gives attention to the work of Jonathan Haidt, a prominent theorist who studies the psychological bases of morality across cultures and political ideologies.